School is starting again and many parents and grandparents are calling, writing or coming by the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) to pick up the birth certificates they need to enroll their children in school. While you are already in Vital Records, consider purchasing an heirloom birth certificate. They make great back-to-school gifts, and the money collected goes to help prevent child abuse in Oklahoma.

The heirloom birth certificates are 11”x 14” with a dark blue trim, bear a silver and gold seal, and depict a view of the State Capitol Dome. The certificate will reflect the child’s name, date of birth, place of birth, and names of the parents.

Since Nov. 1, 2001, House Bill 1063 has made it possible to purchase an heirloom birth certificate suitable for framing, along with one certified birth certificate, for $35.00. Of that amount, $25.00 will go to benefit the OSDH Child Abuse Training and Coordination Program.

The project is a collaborative effort between the OSDH and the Oklahoma Arts Council. Proceeds will be used to provide training and technical assistance to judges, prosecutors, and members of the multidisciplinary child abuse teams who intervene in circumstances of child abuse.

To order your heirloom birth certificate, write to: Vital Records, 1000 N.E. 10th Street, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73117, and enclose a check or money order for $35.00 payable to the

“Oklahoma State Department of Health.” Include in your request the full name of the child, the date of birth, the city or county of birth and the full names of the parents, including the mother’s maiden name. A basic birth certificate will be provided with each heirloom certificate. Allow about two weeks for delivery. The basic birth certificate, without the heirloom birth certificate, is still available from the OSDH for $5.00.